U.S. Navy Activates First Information Warfare Squadron

The U.S. Navy has officially activated its first information warfare squadron, named Information Warfare Squadron Two (IWRON Two), as part of a strategic initiative to enhance intelligence and cyber capabilities for carrier strike group commanders. This development, announced on December 5, 2023, during a ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia, marks a significant shift in how the Navy approaches information warfare.

IWRON Two is one of two squadrons established under a 48-month pilot program initiated in June 2023. This program aims to evaluate the performance of information warfare squadrons on both the east and west coasts, ultimately improving naval doctrine and operational effectiveness. The new squadron is designed to streamline intelligence gathering and analysis by integrating expertise from various naval commands.

Capt. Jon O’Connor has taken command of IWRON Two, leading a diverse team that includes personnel from the Navy Information Operations Command, the Naval Information Warfare Training Group, the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, the Strike Group Oceanography Team, and the Fleet Intelligence Detachment DC. This consolidation of specialized roles under a single command is intended to enhance the Navy’s operational capacity in information warfare.

Transforming Information Warfare

The establishment of IWRON Two reflects a transformative approach within the Navy, as highlighted by Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, commander of Naval Information Forces. He emphasized that for too long, information warfare capabilities have been fragmented. “Today, we change that,” Vernazza stated. He characterized the IWRON construct as a significant advancement in integrating and employing sophisticated information warfare capabilities across various conflict scenarios.

The squadron’s formation is modeled after successful strategies previously utilized by destroyer squadrons and air wings, allowing for a more unified command structure. The Navy aims to deploy information warfare effects in ways that have not been previously demonstrated. As Vernazza noted, achieving new outcomes requires innovative approaches: “To get to outcomes we haven’t had, we need to do things we haven’t done.”

In addition to IWRON Two, the Navy plans to establish a second information warfare squadron on the West Coast within the next year, further expanding its focus on information warfare capabilities.

The activation of these squadrons represents a crucial step in the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its information warfare capabilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of modern naval operations.